arc
arc Lexical Profile
arc Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A part of the circumference of a circle or other curve, or a curved trajectory through space.
"The basketball followed a high, graceful arc before dropping cleanly through the net."
A continuous progression, development, or narrative trajectory of a story, character, or career over time.
"Critics praised the novel for the compelling emotional arc of its protagonist."
A luminous electrical discharge across a gap between two electrodes or conductors.
"The welder wore a protective mask to shield his eyes from the blinding electrical arc."
• verb
To move along a curved path or trajectory.
"We watched the shooting star arc across the clear midnight sky."
To form a luminous electrical discharge across a gap (of an electric current).
"Damaged insulation caused the high-voltage current to arc between the two wires."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'arc' (a curved shape or trajectory) with its homophone 'ark' (a large vessel or sacred chest, as in Noah's Ark or the Ark of the Covenant). As a verb, the inflected forms are spelled 'arced' and 'arcing' (though 'arcked' and 'arcking' occasionally appear to preserve the hard 'c' sound).
• Rhymes for arc
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'arc', which derives from Latin 'arcus', meaning a bow, arch, or rainbow.